The Logan Circle location will be Matchbox's third in the District and fifth nationwide.

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MATCHBOX CONTINUES TO EXPAND WITH NEW LOCATION IN WASHINGTON, DC

matchbox Food Group adds a favorite on the fast growing 14 St. Corridor

Washington, D.C. [July 25, 2011]— The matchbox food Group is fired up to announce their latest expansion plans! Diners will soon be able to enjoy the group’s first and most successful concept to date, matchbox, at the corner of 14th Street and T Street NW. The group, whose history dictates its expertise in finding the next hottest neighborhoods in the district, has just signed a lease with real estate developer JBG. With the approval of all necessary licenses, this will mark the 3rd matchbox location in DC and the 5th nationwide.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to expand into the growing 14th Street Corridor,” said Ty Neal, principal partner of the matchbox food Group. “Washington, DC has been our home since 2003 with our first location in Chinatown, then Capitol Hill, followed by Rockville. In 2012, our sights are set on the Logan Circle area and Merrifield, Virginia. We are so grateful for the people of greater Washington and how they have embraced us, our food, and our restaurants. ”

The group has plans to renovate the building that has had a rich history of former occupants. The turn of the century construct has housed a bowling alley, jazz club, and most recently has been home to Arena Stage’s rehearsal hall. Signature design features that diners will be sure to see in the restaurant will be multiple levels, rustic barn wood, architectural staircases and of course the “matchbox” a seating area that first appeared in the Capitol Hill location. This wooden box can seat 6-8 people and has become a highly requested table for those who want to see and be seen!

The matchbox Food Group prides itself on their personal participation in each and every restaurant build that occurs. Each of the four principal partners participates in the process by helping lay the structure with their own hands.

What began as a simple idea among longtime friends has now expanded to become a thriving Washington culinary group with multiple concepts. Principal partners Ty Neal, Mark Neal, Perry Smith, and Andrew Kim, began their journey in 2003, opening a matchbox restaurant in the heart of Washington, DC. The restaurant quickly became a success, and expansion began, first with another location in Palm Springs, CA, then with third location back in DC on Capitol Hill. In 2010 the group successfully opened two new concepts, Ted’s BULLETIN, an American eatery, and DC-3, specializing in regional hot dogs, as well as their largest matchbox restaurant yet, in Rockville, MD.